Holidays
Things To Do in Tempe During the Holidays
November 1, 2024
Top reasons to celebrate the holiday season in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona is one of the best spots to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. It’s not a snowy winter wonderland, but there are all kinds of festive events and activities that will get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for a fun date night idea or fun for the whole family, spending the holidays in Tempe offers endless possibilities.
Downtown Tempe
Located between College Ave. and Farmer Ave., University Dr. and Tempe Town Lake
Downtown Tempe is a sight to be seen during the holidays. Trees are strung with holiday lights, and festive and fun events are held throughout the season. Downtown Tempe is the heart of this college town, where you will find tons of restaurants, bars, gift shops, specialty stores and more. For all there is to see and do this holiday season, visit the Downtown Tempe holiday website.
Nov. 29, 2024: Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting
Kick off the magic of the season with the Downtown Tempe Fantasy of Lights Street Parade in Tempe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 (Black Friday). A holiday tradition enjoyed by generations, this festive event includes at night parade, a tree lighting ceremony at Centerpoint Plaza, live entertainment, Santa photos and so much more.
Dec. 20, 2024: Menorah Lighting
Head to Downtown Tempe’s Ragsdale-MLK Park (formerly 6th Street Park) for this special holiday event at the second annual Menorah lighting ceremony at Ragsdale-MLK Park (formerly 6th Street Park), presented by Downtown Tempe Authority and ASU Chabad.
Dec. 6-8, 2024: Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts
The Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts returns to Downtown Tempe the first weekend in December. This well-loved community event showcases unique and hand-made artwork from more than 350 artists. Festivalgoers will also enjoy live entertainment, street performers, vendors, sponsor exhibits and entertainment booths over the course of three days.
Dec. 7-28, 2024: Arizona Theatre Company presents “Scrooge!”
Enjoy the holiday musical extravaganza “Scrooge!,” presented by Arizona Theatre Company at Tempe Center for the Arts. Based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this enchanting holiday musical extravaganza celebrates the season with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring a distinguished cast of more than 24 actors, live musicians, and an all-star creative team and songs by Oscar- and Grammy-winning and Tony-nominated composer Leslie Bricusse, “Scrooge!” is set to be an annual tradition for the entire family.
Dec. 14, 2024: Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
Light up the night and be dazzled this holiday season at Tempe Town Lake on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake is the Valley’s most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes and a spectacular fireworks show.
More Holiday Happenings
Nov. 15-Dec. 29, 2024: World of Illumination
Experience World of Illumination, “the world’s largest animated drive-through light show,” taking place at Tempe Diablo Stadium this holiday season. Climb aboard your cosmic sleigh with your host Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday invasion that is out of this world. This mile-long journey features millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music— a must see treat for the entire family.
Nov. 29-Dec. 22, 2024: Skysill Chalet Winter Pop-Up
Step into The Westin Tempe’s cozy winter pop-up Thursdays through Sundays throughout this season. Perched 18 floors above the city, Skysill Rooftop Lounge transforms into a holiday oasis with festive décor and a cabin-like atmosphere, holiday vibes and indulge in seasonal delights. Admission includes one complimentary seasonal cocktail to get you in the spirit, tasty arrival snack to kick things off, specialty food items and cocktails available for purchase. Hours: Thursdays: 4-10 p.m. (21 and up) | Friday & Saturday: 4 p.m.-12a.m. (21 and up) | Sundays: 3-6 p.m. (all ages)
Nov. 20–Dec. 31: Bar Blitzen at Culinary Dropout
The third annual holiday pop-up bar, Bar Blitzen, is set to transform Culinary Dropout (The Coop) into a limited-time winter wonderland. This seasonal concept is a memorable and festive experience complete with very merry cocktails, over-the-top décor, and endless opportunities to get sleighed with holiday fun. A $6 cover charge benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley will be added to your check. Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 4-10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday: 4 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Dec. 5, 12 & 19: Little Cholla Holiday Market
Visit the Little Cholla Holiday Market at Culdesac Tempe to shop local merchants, savor bites from food trucks, participate in themed activities in one convenient location. Follow @littlecholla on Instagram for the latest schedule, theme and vendor details.
Dec. 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 2024: Christmas at the Petersen House
Come and experience a unique Christmas tradition at the Petersen House Museum in Tempe. The museum — the oldest Queen Anne Victorian brick residence in the Salt River Valley — will be decorated in a high style that showcases its Danish heritage. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. across the first three weekends in December, this event includes free self-guided tours of the historic 1892 home, light refreshments, entertainment and festive activities. Don’t forget to check out the pop-up museum store for some holiday shopping. Admission is free, and you don’t need to register beforehand.
Dec. 21, 2024: Caribbean Christmas 5K
Gather your loved ones and head to Tempe Beach Park to experience a tropical holiday vibe at the 8th annual Caribbean Christmas 5k Run/Walk on Dec. 21. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a Caribbean-themed event with good company, lively music, enthusiastic volunteers and all the perks of a first-class race.
Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 602-286-3800
Nov. 27, 2024 -Jan. 12, 2025: ZooLights
ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo — the Valley’s most cherished holiday tradition — is back with millions of twinkling lights, animal lanterns, light displays and a brand new music and light show. Visit this magical setting after sunset (5:30 to 10:30 p.m. daily) to stroll through the 200-foot-long light tunnel, take a photo with Santa and warm up around the cozy s’mores pits and sip on hot cocoa. Enjoy a ZooLights is the perfect way for all ages to celebrate the season.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 480-941-1225
Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 1, 6, 7, 13-15, 18-23 and 26-30: Las Noches de las Luminarias
Experience the simplicity and beauty of Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminarias, musical performances, entertainment and holiday delights that line the Garden’s iconic trails for a picture-perfect night.
Through Jan. 20, 2025: Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO
This holiday season, Desert Botanical Garden is hosting Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO, a truly unique collection of light installations. As the sun sets, each of the mesmerizing displays comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the garden’s paths and plants. Experience the convergence of light and nature that illuminate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape in a new way. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract.
Dec. 17, 2024: La Posada
Returning to Desert Botanical Garden on Dec. 17, La Posada is a celebration that pay tribute to the Mexican holiday tradition by the same name. On this evening, guests are invited to join in the festivities (included with ticket), which features piñatas, traditional food and drink, and two singing processions through the Garden.
The garden is open until 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The above events and exhibits are included with garden admission admission.
Shopping & Entertainment
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-9338
Whether you’re looking for a place to experience the magic of the holidays or find the greatest gifts, Tempe Marketplace is the place to meet up and have fun with friends and family this holiday season.
Nov. 27, 2024: Tinsel & Twilight
Head to Tempe Marketplace for the annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Extravaganza at The District Stage from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Bring the entire family to kick off the holiday season with dazzling evening of festive entertainment, including a spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree and a variety of performances.
Dec. 13-24, 2024: 12 Days of Snowfall
Watch as snow magically falls from the sky and transforms Tempe Marketplace into a winter wonderland. Taking place near the District Stage at 7 and 8 p.m. every night between Dec. 13 and Christmas Eve, you’re invited to capture the the magic of snow in the desert.
November – December: Community Performances
Watch live performances this November and December at the District Stage with tributes to your favorite holiday classics. Get ready for appearances from Arizona Theatre Company, The Nutcracker, local gymnastics, cheer teams and more. Visit the Tempe Marketplace website for the latest schedule.
Ongoing: Sip & Stroll
Put a holiday spin on your Sip & Stroll experience this winter. Enjoy a cocktail from one of seven participating restaurants and stroll the district to experience all the holiday décor, music and snow. Sip & Stroll takes place during the following times:
Monday – Thursday: 12-9 p.m. (last call at 8:30 p.m.)
Friday & Saturday: 12-10 p.m. (last call at 9:30 p.m.)
Sunday: 12 -8 p.m. (last call at 7:30 p.m.)
Arizona Mills
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-491-9700
Arizona Mills is the state’s largest family entertainment and outlet shopping destination, with more than 185 stores at savings of up to 70% off, plus great dining and entertainment options. Be sure to check out Arizona Mills on Black Friday (Nov. 29, 2024) for discounts throughout the mall, including such stores as Nike Clearance Store, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret/PINK, Adidas Clearance Store, Bath & Body Works Outlet, Nautica Factory Store and more. Help brighten someone’s Christmas by bringing an unwrapped gift to Arizona Mills.d more! Visit the Arizona Mills website for extended holiday hours.
Nov. 14-Dec. 20, 2024: The Salvation Army Christmas Angels
Help brighten someone’s Christmas by bringing an unwrapped gift to Arizona Mills.
Beginning Nov. 22, 2024: Santa Photos
Celebrate the ultimate holiday tradition at Arizona Mills with The Santa Photo Experience. Enjoy an unforgettable moment with Santa, capture the memories and make this season special. Secure your spot in advance online.
Nov. 24, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025: Sea of Lights!
Shell-ebrate the season at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium’s Sea of Lights holiday light spectacular. Enjoy a dazzling walk-through holiday light exhibit alongside our thousands of sea creatures including rescued sea turtles, Ziva and Donna; 7 species of sharks including Zebra, Blacktip, Whitetip, Epaulette, Nurse, Bamboo, and Mexican Hornshark; five species of stingray, including Cownose, Bluesotted ribbontail, Atlantic, Southern, and Yellow stingrays; creepie crawlies in Critter Canyon; and hands-on creatures of the reef at Touch Tidepools.
Dec. 1, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025: Holiday Bricktacular!
Get in the holiday spirit at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona‘s annual Holiday Bricktacular. Learn to build an ornament in the Creative Workshop Class, experience snow and a hidden candy cane hunt in MINILAND, catch the 12 Days of BRICKMAS Parade in MINILAND, build a sleigh and race it in Build and Test, pose for photo ops in the north pole in Santa’s sleigh and meet LEGO® Santa (weekends only). Bonus: Exclusive meet and greets with the LEGO® Gingerbread Man, Gingy, and decorate delicious gingerbread cookies (not included with general admission).
Dec. 8, 2024: Suzy Foundation Snowflake Spectacular
Arizona Mills and Suzy Foundation invite you to a holiday celebration where families of all abilities can come together and experience the magic of the season. Don’t miss your chance to meet a sensory-friendly Santa and create special memories with a free 5×7 photos, letters to Santa, crafts and more from 9 to 11 a.m. (near the food court).
